A&E’s reality fare spends a good deal of time chasing fugitives, so “Breakout Kings” — a scripted procedural from producers associated with “Prison Break” — plays like a savvy brand extension, if not a particularly inspired one. Using crooks to help catch bad guys or execute capers is hardly a new conceit (anybody remember “It Takes a Thief,” “The Dirty Dozen” or “48 Hrs.?”), and while the playful banter among cops and robbers thrown together on the same side has its moments, the characters aren’t strong enough, initially, to set off any alarms.

U.S. Marshal Charlie Duchamp (Laz Alonso) and Ray Zancanelli (“The Wire’s” Domenick Lombardozzi) briskly lay out the “use fugitives to help catch fugitives” scheme, recruiting psychiatric expert/compulsive gambler Lloyd (Jimmi Simpson) and ex-gangbanger Shea (Malcolm Goodwin). They also add a woman to the group, played by Nicole Steinwedell in the pilot, but replaced later by a new fem-con, Erica (the alluring Serinda Swan).

More Reviews

As motivation, the cons get time off for each escapee they help put away, starting with a murderous robber, and followed by a convicted pedophile. The only really interesting hood, though, is Simpson’s squirrelly genius, who brings a “Mentalist”-type savvy to his analysis of situations.

Granted, the premise (developed initially for Fox, and created by Matt Olmstead and Nick Santora) doesn’t really make much sense. Moreover, the concept would probably be more interesting if the convicts rotated from week to week — think Mr. Phelps picking his crew for that week’s assignment on “Mission Impossible” — instead of the same-old gang. After all, wouldn’t convicts with similarities to their quarry be a greater asset?

Still, that’s probably overthinking something that’s meant to be escapist froth, and moves along slickly enough — albeit with a few modest twists, some stabs at humor (like “Hawaii Five-0,” there’s bickering about what to call the group), and a darkness (grisly killings, torture) that’s become a virtual prerequisite, alas, for this genre.

A&E has had an uneven track record with its scripted endeavors, before stumbling into a USA-like success with quirky crime show, “The Glades.” For a network that’s been home to “Manhunter: Fugitive Task Force,” “Fugitive Chronicles” and “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” this latest endeavor is hardly a thematic stretch.

That said, it’s a tough, competitive cable world out there, and as the cons might testify, coming away with a big score requires risks. By that measure, “Breakout Kings” doesn’t do enough to stand apart, diminishing its chances of breaking out.

Sign Up for Daily Insider Newsletter

Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Ava DuVernay is among the six notable industry figures who have been appointed to the Television Academy’s executive committee by new chairman/CEO Frank Scherma. DuVernay, whose recent TV credits include the documentary “13th” and drama “Queen Sugar,” will be joined on the committee by HBO programming president Casey Bloys; former [...]

The BBC has greenlit “The Goes Wrong Show,” a new series based on Mischief Theatre’s popular “The Play That Goes Wrong” stage production about a troupe that puts on disastrous plays. The stage show has transferred from London’s West End to Broadway for a J.J. Abrams-produced version described by Variety as “a broad, silly and [...]

As the Jussie Smollett saga continues to unravel, late night hosts are echoing the incredulity expressed by many by poking fun at the “Empire” actor’s alleged attempt to fake a hate crime, reportedly because he was dissatisfied with his salary. “This dude may have faked a hate crime just to get a raise?” asked Trevor [...]

Leaders of the Writers Guild of America have sent Hollywood talent agencies a proposed “Code of Conduct” with tough new restrictions on how they operate as agents for writer clients. The WGA made the disclosure Thursday night in an email to its 12,000 members, a day after announcing that it will hold a March 25 [...]

Jussie Smollett’s legal team issued a defiant statement on Thursday night, saying the “Empire” actor feels betrayed by the justice system and hinting at a political motive for his prosecution. Smollett was arrested early Thursday on a felony charge of filing a false police report. He was released after a court hearing on $100,000 bond, [...]

Fox has announced the casting of four lead characters for its multi-cam comedy pilot “Patty’s Auto,” including the eponymous Patty. Inspired by Patrice Banks’ Girls Auto Clinic, an auto repair shop with all female mechanics, the project centers on Patty, the intimidating owner of Patty’s Auto who will be played by “Straight Outta Compton” alumna [...]

NBC pilot “Uninsured” has cast four of its series regulars, with Adam Pally (“The Mindy Project,” “The President Show”) and Abby Elliott (“Saturday Night Live,” “Odd Mom Out”) playing the young married couple at the center of the show. Pally will play Dave, who is described as a “natural hype man with a good heart.” Elliott [...]